Monday, October 6, 2008

Converse Judson HS Boys Preview




Left: Chris Wacker Right: Ned Cox & Alex Lewis
I can only imagine how tough Judson would be if they did not have Wagner bleeding off athletes in the district the last couple of seasons. For years Judson was an undisputable State powerhouse in football. Don't get me wrong, they're still good but dang there's a boatload of kids in Converse that can flat out get after it in either sport. There are enough quality ballers on the JV squads to go ahead and form up another varsity quality team.
Big Mike Wacker leads the Rockets. He was looking good on Saturday in his beach wear. I thought Coach was about to get after it in the Maui Classic, but I guess he missed his flight and ended up at St. Mary's. I asked Coach about this year's goals and he was extremely optomistic that Judson would have a very successful year in District 27-5A, and then make a playoff run. And why not...they return 8 lettermen from last year's crew.
They'll be led in the backcourt by two veterans. 2009 PG 5'9" Demarcus Richardson, son of San Antonio Rohawks Bossman Daryl Richardson who will run the point. He's a super quick guard and a lock down defender. The other G spot has 2009 6'1" Ned Cox in his 3rd year with the varsity squad. I like Cox's ability (and willingness) to pull up for the mid range jumper. As any college coach will tell you, that's a lost art. This is definitely one of San Antonio's finest backcourts.
I was also extremely impressed by the athleticism of 2009 W 6'3" Alex Lewis. What could set the Rockets apart is their frontline. He was not available this past weekend, so I didn't see him, but Coach Wacker seemed to have a twinkle in his eye when he spoke of 2010 C 6'10" Stuart Lagerson. Like most "bigs" he's probably a project but you can pencil most 6'10" guys in to play college ball down the road if they can ewalk and chew gum at the same time. Typically they take much longer to develop then the guards do.
The Big Fella with the soft touch, 2009 P 6'7" Chris Wacker is poised for a breakout season. He looked slim and cut compared to his physique last season. I thought he ran the floor really well, shoots the face up shot nicely from the high post and is stout enough to battle for and control the boards. He's got a lot of pressure on him, being the son of the Coach and grandson of the legendary Jim Wacker of Texas State and Texas Christian University. (Remember the old derivative of the country song that the Horned Frogs adopted under The Coach?....I Wore Purple, When Purple Wasn't Cool"...lol) Don't ask me to sing it for you.
At the moment Chris is getting recruited by D-2 schools like St. Mary's and St. Edwards, but the Southland Boys better wake up and come steal this kid. He's got all the tools and he's a coach's son. That spells winner to me!